A simulation study to achieve PeV-scale neutrino–proton collisions via staggered beamlines

This paper introduces a novel accelerator-based method to achieve neutrino–proton interactions at energies from 10 to 100 PeV in a controlled laboratory environment. By employing a staggered configuration of a pion decay tunnel and a proton beamline, the method effectively counters neutrino beam divergence, forming repeated overlaps between narrow neutrino beams and the proton beam. Simulations, using parameters from the Future Circular Collider and including muon cooling to enhance event rates, demonstrate the potential to generate hundreds to thousands of events annually at these ultra-high energies. While the proposed setup presents very significant technological challenges, it could potentially open a new energy range in neutrino physics, enabling precise measurements of neutrino-nucleon cross-sections needed for interpreting high-energy astrophysical neutrino signals and for testing fundamental physics. Beyond the specific implementation explored here, the staggered beamline technique could be a basis for future novel accelerator designs. Integration with emerging technologies like muon colliders could overcome limitations in beam focusing, emittance, or target durability.